Strong Downtown and Livable Neighbourhoods

A moderately more dense and livable city, especially downtown, with all neighbourhoods having access to low-impact transportation, diverse services and varied housing options.

TARGET

MEASURE

PROGRESS

Increase livability of all neighbourhoods

Establish criteria and targets by 2020

OCP review will begin 2018

Increase downtown population density

Increase by 10% by 2020

Downtown population increased by 1% between 2014 and 2017

Increase population of downtown and neighbourhoods closest to downtown

1% increase by 2020

Selected neighbourhoods have increased in population by 2.5% between 2014 and 2017.

Our Targets

Increase Livability of all neighbourhoods

Increase Downtown Population Density

Downtown is the jewel in the crown that is Whitehorse. Increasing the population of downtown is one way of ensuring it remains vibrant, while also encouraging a more compact built form.

Increase Population of downtown and neighbourhoods closest to downtown

A compact vibrant city relies on people living in it, making full use of its amenities, and creating the social connections that make a strong community. The neighbourhoods included in this target are Whitehorse's oldest and most established: Riverdale, Downtown, Hillcrest, Valleyview, and Takhini. This target reflects that these neighbourhoods need to stay vibrant while newer neighbourhoods like Whistle Bend fill out.

Rationale

A vibrant, mixed-use downtown encourages active transportation, local businesses, civic pride, and tourism. Livable neighbourhoods attract residents and businesses. They have housing to suit different ages, abilities, and incomes, and amenities to meet daily needs.

Jurisdiction

High. Through planning and development regulation, the City influences new development. City jurisdiction in existing built areas is low.